Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, the country’s leading utility vehicle maker, has set out big plans for India in partnership with its South Korean subsidiary Ssangyong Motor Corporation. As per reports, the company is working towards bringing a new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Korando and a Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) called Rodius in the country. The SsangYong-made Mahindra Rexton has already been launched in the Indian auto market.
For the Korando, Mahindra is conducting a market study to determine the best time and situation for its launch. The stunning SUV was showcased during the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo and was quite a subject of interest among the auto industry. It was much appreciated for the available interior space and was seen as a five door SUV. The instrument cluster is a combination of analog and digital display, both of which look trendy. In the home market of South Korea, Korando competes against Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage. Under-the-hood, the vehicle is powered with a 2.0 litre petrol and a 2.0 litre diesel engine. These engines would be fitted either with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Another vehicle from Mahindra SsangYong, known as Rodius, may also be seen in the Indian market by the end of 2013. It is expected to be powered by a 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine with a variable geometry turbo charger, producing 156 bhp of power and 360 Nm of peak torque. The engine could be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, in addition to which a 5-speed automatic gearbox might also be available. While lower variants get a rear wheel drive, the top end version may be equipped with an all-wheel-drive. Just like Korando, the SsangYong Rodius is also expected to generate tremendous interior space, thanks to a large 3 metre wheelbase. In terms of safety attributes, the Rodius would have airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD), Anti-Roll over protection and an infotainment system with different connectivity options.
In India, the Korando would compete against the likes of established players such as Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Endeavour. For those looking for a fresh vehicle with the reliability levels of Mahindra, Korando may be the ideal purchase once launched. Industry experts feel that Mahindra & Mahindra has devised an impressive and promising strategy for the Indian market with its South Korean subsidiary. The company will be looking to replay the success of its SsangYong Rexton with its upcoming Korando and Rodius models in the country.
